The Trustees aim to have the locomotive back in traffic before the end of the decade, ideally by late 2029. This timeline would mean the locomotive will have been out of service for less than seven years, which we believe fulfills our promise to members by actively preserving No.2857, primarily for use on the Severn Valley Railway. Additionally, the 2030’s hold several key anniversaries that we hope to see the locomotive in steam for.

Targeting a late 2029 steaming date would provide the opportunity to return the locomotive to traffic and complete its ‘run-in’ period in time to celebrate key milestones. These include the 60th anniversary of the formation of the ‘28xx Society’ – the original name of the current Society – in 2031. Additionally, we could mark the 70th anniversary of the locomotive’s withdrawal from British Railways in 2033, as well as the 60th anniversary of its purchase in 2034.

The key anniversary for us is 2035, marking 200 years of the Great Western Railway. This is an occasion we feel it is almost essential for our locomotive and Society to celebrate. In the same year, we also hope to commemorate 50 years since No.2857 had the opportunity to work the last steam-hauled unfitted goods train on the national network. With careful coordination alongside our friends in the Bewdley Wagon Group, we aim to recreate the sight of No.2857 hauling a lengthy goods train on the Severn Valley Railway, reminiscent of the train it hauled to Newport in 1985.

There’s a lot to be said for getting No.2857 back in steam in time for several key anniversaries we don’t want to miss!